Thrilling as ever and filled with excitement, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Meet the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

Built plainly as compared to its flashy predecessor, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R does not fall short of delivering a thrilling and exciting drive. Blessed with the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the last model and based on the 11th-Gen Civic, this new and refined model possesses a surprise factor on track day. The iconic Japanese rocket is only available as a hatchback. However, it can be noticed that the Japanese giant Honda has made the 2023 Honda Civic Type R a bit bland. The previous Type R model was bold and wild in terms of looks, but the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has been made better than ever as it has been given extra flair in performance. With a touch of simplicity, the horsepower is boosted, and the handling is exceptional, proving this car to be one of the best in its class on the track.

What’s the deal this year?

Honda has shone bright with an ambition of introducing the hottest sports compact in 2023. Being a hot hatchback, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is also the most powerful and contentious Civic ever to leave production lines. A slight increase of 9 horsepower, 20.3 Nm, and better handling makes driving in the 2023 Honda Civic Type R more fun than the previous Civic Type R.

As told earlier, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will only be available as a hatchback, making it more tempting for one to buy and drive this combination of track-focused beast and daily-driven compact. Its practicality has also been given a lot of praise, but this handy rocket has some drawbacks, too, discussed later.

A look back at the legendary Civic Type R’s generational legacy

1st Gen

• Only sold in Japan from 1997 to 2000, the first-ever Civic Type R was the EK9, which had a 1.6-litre VTEC engine.

• This super light hot hatch, weighing less than 1,100 Kg, had an eye-catching layout of three doors and a proper limited-slip differential system.

• This was the first leap of Honda to make the Civic a high-performance car on the circuit

2nd Gen

• The second generation of the Civic Type R, the EP3, reigned from 2001 to 2005.

• With a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine built in Swindon, England, this small hatchback was much stiffer than the EK9.

• Still, it lacked features like the helical limited-slip differential and red Recaro race seats readily available on a standard EK9.

3rd Gen

• The third generation Civic Type R debuted with two models on March 30th, 2007.

• FD2 was for the Japanese domestic market, and the FN2 was for the international market. Honda introduced the FD2 as a 4-door sedan, which was only for the Japanese market, and unfortunately, the global market was given the same 3-door hatchback FN2 with a reinforced design.

• This generation became a sensational hit.

• The power output of the Japanese market Type R’s was relatively more than that of the international market.

4th Gen

• FK2 was observed to be the 4th generation Civic Type R, which was based on the ninth generation Civic.

• It entered the market in January 2015 and was blessed with a turbocharged engine, so it made quite a highlight.

• It also had some wild high-performance features, such as a plate-style limited-slip differential and a direct fuel injection system.

5th gen

• Debuting in 2017, the FK8 based on a 10th-generation Civic was a massive change in the appearance of the Type R Civics.

• With a flashy silhouette and fierce design, this Type R Civic became the most likeable sports compact when it hit the market.

• This generation was a massive upgrade from Honda, giving numerous racing features ranging from high-performance tires, enlarged wheel arches, a carbon fibre effect diffuser with three tailpipes to air intakes on the hood, and carbon fibre side skirts.

6th Gen

• Based on the 11th generation Civic, the FL5 is the most powerful and mean Civic Type R for race day.

• This absolute menace to the sports compact class can upset any opponent on the track.

• It's not as flashy and muscular as its predecessor, but it's accurate in handling and agile enough for some wild cornering.

2023 Type R Model Configurations

Engine	2.0 Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
Transmission	Six-speed manual gearbox with FWD
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Configuration	Type R Touring

Packages

The R Performance Pack, which costs $5,350 and includes a carbon fibre tail spoiler and 19-inch forged alloy wheels, is a remarkable option. For $2,250, the carbon fibre wing may be purchased separately. Different protection kits may add external protective film or replace the leather on the steering wheel with Alcantara. If you're not ready to accept the aluminum-grade palm burns, you may alternatively choose a shift knob that is leather-wrapped. These bundles range in price from $150 to $950.

Additional Packages

Packages	Features
All-season Protection Package II	​Cargo Tray, All-Season Floor Mats, Wheel Lock Nut
Carbon Fiber Kit	Carbon Fiber Door Mirror Covers, Carbon Fiber Wing Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Interior Panel Cover, Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop
Exterior Protection Package	Car Cover, Black Wheel Lug Nut, Black Wheel Lock Nut
Interior Package	Floor Mats, Shift Knob, Illuminated Door Sill Trim, Console Illuminations, Red Interior Illumination

What’s the 2023 Civic Type R packing?

Similar to the previous model's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the new Civic Type R's engine produces 315 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque between 2600 and 4000 rpm thanks to a revised turbocharger and more effective exhaust system. Additional upgrades for the Civic Type R include a bigger radiator and better brake cooling.

Honda has increased the red line at which the valves open to make you hear the opera of four cylinders running. The flywheel is much lighter and revised to reward the car with a better rev-matching system. The 2023 Civic Type R uses a newfound dual-axis front suspension, and it’s just perfect at suppressing the torque steer.

The new car, with its Michelin Pilot 4s performance tires on the 19-inch alloys, is an ideal combination of stickiness and sportiness. That’s how it bolts from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds.

How much fuel does the 2023 Civic Type R sip?

EPA estimates for the hot hatch's city and highway mileage are 22 mpg and 28 mpg, respectively, which is pretty cool. When equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, it equals the EPA figure for the all-wheel-drive Golf R, but the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gives the Golf R an advantage with an additional two mpg on the interstate.

Does the 2023 Honda Civic Type R look pretty?

The previous generation Civic Type R was a bit too over-styled. The new generation kind of looks better.

The 2023 Honda Type R has a little more subdued style than its earlier, more eccentric appearance.

Although the new rear diffuser, flared fenders, and revised bumpers all look lovely, they are primarily the result of careful aerodynamic work by the HRD Sakura Super GT team.

You get auto-on/off LED headlamps and taillights, glossy black side sills, a gloss black wing spoiler with aluminum mounts, and a new vented hood.

The recognizable center-mounted, triple-outlet exhaust with active exhaust valve. The usual red Honda logos are also visible on the front and back of the vehicle.

Is the 2023 Honda Civic Type R as good on the inside?

The inside of the 2017 Civic Type R is more essential than the one it replaces, but it still boasts plenty of sexy visual cues.

The latter has faux carbon fibre trim, red highlights, and the same comfortable and supportive front seats.

Consider the surrounding temperature before burning your palm on the aluminum gear knob.

A row of shift light indications is located atop the new digital cluster to help prevent bumping against the redline between changes.

Because the Civic Type R has the same passenger and baggage capacity as the standard Civic hatchback, it should be a fantastic dual-purpose vehicle.

Infotainment for the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R

On the Civic Type R dashboard is a 9.0-inch touchscreen that controls the newest infotainment system from Honda. Popular technologies like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot with a monthly fee, and wireless smartphone charging are included as standard.

Attributes of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R

The car handles like a dream but doesn’t feel as fast as the previous generation. That doesn’t mean it isn’t. It may “feel” softer, but it is faster. That is the beauty of this car. Consider this a pro or con; It’s all up to you.

Pros

✔ New looks show off an understated athleticism.

✔ Grip for days and superior handling

✔ Thrilling acceleration

✔ Precise manual gearbox

✔ Practical enough for daily use

✔ It's a Type R

Cons

✖ Toned down appearance over the old Civic Type R.

✖ The cabin can be noisy.

✖ Few customization options.

What do you get?

• Blind-spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Traffic sign recognition

• Intelligent Speed Limiter

• Driver Attention Monitor

• Comfort, Sport, +R, Individual drive modes

• Honda LogR data log

• Acoustic windscreen

• ‘Smart Clear Wiper’ windscreen wiper/washer system

• Auto-retractable door mirrors

• Full suede-effect seat trim in Red

• Ambient door trim, front footwell lighting

What’s the expert take on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R?

“Part of my awe for the Civic Type R comes from just how much of an improvement it is over its predecessor, especially since the car it replaces was already highly regarded – even if I found it a little underwhelming.” – CarExpert.

“Here's a car that uses the original hot hatch template and yet has lost none of its appeal or ability to entertain.”- TopGear.

“We were so impressed with the new Civic Type R that we named it to our 2023 10Best cars list.”- Car and Driver.

What else is left to say?

There’s just one Type R that you should opt for. If you’re happy with it, you can have it as it is. The Type R has always carried its expectations with it; being a front-wheel drive car, the car always blows fans' minds away. The V-tec lovers will enjoy the sound as the vehicle passes the rpms; apart from that, the car itself, as a daily driver, can do so.

The Honda Civic Type R has an excellent safety rating, is dependable, has safety features, and has updated infotainment for user-friendliness. It also has a large trunk and, despite only having room for two passengers in the back, it handles the school run just as well as it thrills you on the racetrack. Despite several competitors costing far less, it is worth the price being asked of it.

FAQs

How much does the 2023 Honda Civic Type R cost?

Priced at $44,890 The Honda Civic Type R's price is as competitive as its performance. The Civic Type R is ultimately an affordable 5-door sports car.

Does the 2023 Honda Civic Type R have advanced safety features?

Yes, it includes safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter, and a driver attention monitor.

Is the 2023 Honda Civic Type R a practical daily driver?

Despite its sporty nature, the 2023 Civic Type R retains practicality with a spacious trunk and comfortable seats. It can serve as a daily driver while providing thrilling performance on the racetrack.